The ongoing conflict between President Trump and California’s governor reached a new peak Monday, as Trump indicated he would back the arrest of a prominent Democrat and 2028 presidential contender.
The protests in Los Angeles against actions by immigration and customs enforcement intensified, creating a backdrop for a political battle between the two leaders, highlighting Trump’s potential gain and the risks involved for the media.
California has become a reliable target for Trump, who seizes on its crackdown on immigrants. The visuals of protesters waving Mexican flags fit perfectly into his “law and order” rhetoric, which he is attempting to project nationally.
This imagery also serves as a tool for Democrats to counter Trump’s claims that they’re ineffective in maintaining public safety amid violent protests.
Newsom sees an opportunity here, as this situation allows prominent Democrats to stand up to Trump in a distinctly grassroots manner.
“The President just called for the arrest of a sitting governor. I never thought I’d see the day in America,” Newsom tweeted following Trump’s comments on his potential arrest. “Whether you’re Democrat or Republican, this is a line we cannot cross. It’s an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”
However, Newsom faces the risk of appearing too lenient towards those engaging in criminal activities in Los Angeles. The Trump team emphasized this point on Monday, suggesting that local leaders can’t be trusted to maintain peace after expressing plans to sue over Trump’s decision to send in the National Guard without local authorization.
“Gavin Newsom’s reckless leadership is to blame for the chaos and violence in Los Angeles. Instead of pursuing a baseless lawsuit for political gain, he should prioritize restoring law and order,” they asserted.
If there’s a Trump risk at play, it might be similar to those that previous presidents have encountered: overreach.
This week, Trump, following in the footsteps of President Lyndon B. Johnson, became the first U.S. president to send the National Guard into a state without local approval. By the end of this week, he is also set to hold a military parade.
These actions stir debates that shift the narrative towards a portrayal of him as a potentially dangerous president with authoritarian tendencies.
“This is a significant battleground for both parties,” remarked a Democratic strategist, hinting at the risks Trump might be creating for himself.
“Trump believes this could be politically advantageous, and he’s somewhat right, but he often oversteps,” the strategist noted.
In the meantime, the strategist pointed out that Newsom is trying to reshape his image away from the stereotypical liberal associated with San Francisco, aiming for a broader national appeal.
For years, Trump and Newsom have been rivals, swinging between harsh criticism and periodic moments of agreement.
Even on Monday, Trump referred to Newsom as a “nice guy” he liked before adding a jab about Californians being “sadly incompetent.”
Newsom has commended Trump during crises, such as the early phases of the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters impacting the state. Their relationship even saw a friendly interaction during a visit Trump made to California to inspect wildfire damage.
However, their relationship is often characterized by conflict.
Trump and his allies consistently frame California as a cautionary tale of failed liberal governance, citing issues like high taxes, excessive regulations, and homelessness. He often disparages Newsom, labeling him as a “news come,” while threatening to cut federal funding to the state.
Newsom, leveraging his position as governor, critiques Trump and his policies relentlessly. Many view this as setting the stage for both parties’ ambitions in the White House during the Biden administration.
Julian Zelizer, a Princeton professor, commented that the current tensions in Los Angeles represent a critical moment for both Newsom and Trump.
“He’s confronting a real policy crisis, with escalating tensions both in Los Angeles and with the President. It complicates the already delicate balance of presidential power,” Zelizer explained.
On Monday, Trump did not dismiss the idea of sending Marines to California, which could escalate tensions further. However, he suggested that things were stabilizing.
“We’re managing the situation well. It has been quite serious,” Trump stated during a White House event. “And Gavin, whether he wants to admit it or not, he needs to manage his issues.”
Democratic strategist Garry South warned that sending troops to California could have dangerous implications.
“Like everything Trump does, he seeks to portray himself as tough for political reasons, but this presents a warning that unchecked power can lead to authoritarianism,” South concluded.
